Waterloo Leaf Collection

We are gearing up for 2017 Street Tree Leaf Collection.

Waterloo residents have two main options for street tree leaf disposal:

The Region of Waterloo’s bi-weekly yard waste service, where residents collect street tree leaves and put out with their usual waste pick-up. In 2017, this service ends the week of November 27 to December 1.

The City of Waterloo’s loose leaf collection service: residents rake street tree leaves to the edge of the road for curbside collection according to their zone and projected date of service (see details below).

Frequency

Due to the challenges in completing one round of leaf collection, we cannot guarantee a visit to your zone more than once. If weather conditions are favourable and we do not have to switch to snow removal operations, we hope to visit priority areas again as time and budget allow. Please bag leaves that fall after the collection date for yard waste pickup or use an alternate method such as composting.

Collection zones

For street tree leaf collection, the city is divided into zones. Crews start in zones E-1 and W-1 and proceed to E-2 and W-2 (and so on) until each zone has been visited at least once, weather permitting.

Find out what zone you live in here. Signs (see photo) are also posted at major entrances to each zone.

Schedule

Loose leaf collection begins on Oct. 23 and lasts unit the week of Nov. 20-24 (weather dependent). Residents should check the schedule below and rake street tree leaves to the curb as closely as possible to their collection date. Please be aware that this program is weather dependent and may be delayed or cancelled based on poor conditions.

Current Status

Frequently asked questions

When will you visit my collection zone?

Crews will start in zones E-1 and W-1 and proceed to E-2 and W-2 (and so on) until every zone has been visited at least once. Find out what zone you live in here. The speed at which the crews can travel is controlled by leaf volumes and favourable weather. This program is fro the street tree leaves. By collecting them, it reduces the failures with the storm sewer system.

What should I do if my leaves fall early, or I miss the loose leaf collection date?

Regional yard waste collection runs until the week of Nov. 27 to Dec. 1 or you can deliver your leaves to the regional landfill (925 Erb St. W.) for composting (note that there is a $5 minimum fee for using the landfill). Leaves can also be composted or mulched on your own property.

What if there is a bike lane on my street?

In an effort to be respectful to cyclists, it is important that residents who live on streets with bike lanes not rake leaves to the street until close to their collection date. When raking, place the leaves on the road, close to the curb area, one day prior to collection. Residents can also bag leaves.

What if I live on a Regional Road?

If you live on a busy regional road (full list here), please rake the street tree leaves to the boulevard (space between the curb and the sidewalk) instead of the road itself.

What if I live on the Kitchener/Waterloo border?

What happens if we have a snowstorm?

A heavy snow in combination with a long period of below freezing temperatures would end the program.

What should I not do with leaves?

Please do not mix rocks, sticks, branches, brush or other debris with the leaves. These pose a safety risk to crews and can result in mechanical breakdowns and scheduling problems. Crews may pass by your leaves. Also, please do not place leaves over storm grates, on cul-de-sac/boulevard islands or near parked vehicles. To ensure the safety of your children, do not allow them to play in roadside leaf piles.